think fast

An unornamented blind arcading.

Question 14.0 (4/19/2011):armpit tower

What is the name given to a bell tower located at the crossing of the nave and transept of a church building rather than at one of the more traditional front corners?

The answer was A: armpit tower.

Numerous small towers, including towers placed in the 'armpits' of the building between the transepts and choir, are a key feature of German Romanesque churches, such as the one shown here. Armpit towers give churches an almost military appearance that complements the severity of the unornamented blind arcading.

Question courtesy of Chip Valleriano, senior design manager for University Marketing and Communications. Valleriano's book, Dedication: The Work of William P. Ginther, Ecclesiastical Architect, is being published by Kent State University Press this fall.


Week Fourteen Stats

How did you do? Stats: 85 people submitted answers for Question 14.0, three contestants selected the correct answer. Average time to correctly answer: 31.1 seconds. Fastest time? Five seconds. Check out last week's top 10 players.

Take a shot at the next question, will be posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. See other past questions and answers.